Understanding Insurance Coverage for Substance Abuse Treatment

Depending upon the type of treatment you choose for your substance abuse problem, the price tag can be staggering. Therefore, even if you are someone who has health insurance, it's best to become familiar with the coverage for substance abuse.

Significance

• The cost of substance abuse treatment varies greatly depending on the treatment method you choose. Some treatment plans include medications that will help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, for instance, but these usually are more expensive.

Considerations

• Insurance coverage for substance abuse varies among plans, employers and location. Typically, mental health benefits are not as extensive as other benefits. They usually require higher deductibles or co-payments.

Warning

• If left untreated, the cost of substance abuse treatment is far less than the cost of the problem itself. It is imperative for people to seek treatment, even if the treatment is not covered by their insurance provider. Some rehabilitation centers and hospitals offer payment plans for people on a budget